🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 30–35 minutes

📘 Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a bright, flavorful, one-pan dinner that tastes like something straight from a restaurant kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce with crisp-tender green beans. It’s simple, fresh, nutritious, and ready in under 35 minutes — perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

🥘 Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season Chicken:
   Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika.
2. Sear Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
4. Cook Green Beans:
   Add green beans to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss in the sauce and cook 5–7 minutes, until crisp-tender.
5. Combine:
   Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices if desired.

📝 Notes

• If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to cook faster.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if you want more sauce.
• For extra flavor, sear chicken in a mix of butter + oil.
• Lemon zest adds brightness — don’t skip it!

💡 Tips

• Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic.
• Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
• Crispier beans: Sauté uncovered.
• Meal prep: Stays fresh 3–4 days in the fridge.

🍽️ Servings

Serves 4 generous portions.

📊 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 360–390
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 9 g
• Fat: 20–23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g

🌿 Health Benefits

• High-protein meal keeps you full and energized.
• Green beans provide fiber + antioxidants.
• Lemon + garlic support immunity and digestion.
• One-pan cooking means less oil and fewer calories.

❓ Q/A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Yes! Boneless thighs cook faster and stay juicier.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes, but thaw first and pat dry. They may cook slightly faster.

Q: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
A: Don’t overcook it — remove once internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, garlic bread, or a simple salad.